Tonton Asistio, Judson Eustaquio put partnership to test in pro-am

LAUREL, Batangas, Philippines —  A total of 107 teams try to come out strong in hot but windy conditions, upbeat but wary of their respective chances in the Delimondo National Pro-Am unfolding today at the Splendido Taal Golf Club.

Tonton Asistio and Judson Eustaquio are among those kicking off their drive at 6:30 a.m. on No. 9 with the duo banking on their long partnership dating back to their amateur days as they set out to reclaim the crown they won in the inaugural staging of the event at Mt. Malarayat in 2017 but lost to absentees Jobim Carlos and DJ Padilla at Splendido last year.

Reigning Phl Open champion Clyde Mondilla and regular partner Jeric Hechanova are also skipping this year’s event due to the former’s hurting knee. But the rest of the top players on the Philippine Golf Tour are in the fold with a mix of foreign aces and lady pros out to steal the spotlight from the fancied bets.

A crack roster of amateurs is also eager to prove their worth in the 54-hole championship held under the alternate shot format with the pro winner taking home P500,000 out of the P2.7 million total pot staked in the event sponsored by Delimondo. The winning amateur will receive gifts and merchandises.

“It’s good that we have this kind of competition which also showcases the pros’ skills in team play and at the same time help prepare the amateurs gearing up for the pro ranks,” said multi-titled Tony Lascuña.

The former three-time PGT Order of Merit winner is actually in a slump but is confident of contending this week in partnership with Moulay Rhounimi and hopefully snap the spell in the event put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Lascuña and Rhounimi will start on No. 1 with a curious mix of teams following suit, including Spain’s Marcos Pastor, who topped the PGT Q-School at Splendio last February and will be joined by top lady amateur Nicole Abelar, PGA Asia leg winner James Ryan Lam with Marianne Bustos, veteran Jay Bayron with Mon Salazar and multi-PGT Asia winner Jhonnel Ababa with Vince Floro.